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Three Finger Lakes wineries are stepping up a global presence with the launch of a new European business venture. Scott Osborn of Fox Run Vineyards, John Martini of Anthony Road Wine Company and Chris Missick of Villa Bellangelo, have come together with European partner, Christian Claessens, to create the first-ever Finger Lakes European importing company. Based in Luxembourg, the company forges new ground overseas, importing and distributing wines from the respective cool-climate wineries into European markets.
Says Claessens, “New York State has quite a mystique in Europe. But importing through a major distributor comes with its own complexities - so my three partners and I decided to take matters into our own hands and start a joint venture company in Luxembourg with this unique purpose. No one has done it before.” With Claessens based in Luxembourg, the new company is called New York Wines SaRL.
The first markets of focus will be Belgium and Luxembourg, with more to follow after the first year. (Warehouses will be outside of Brussels.) The focus is primarily Vinifera: Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Lemberger, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay estate bottlings from all three wineries will be highlighted. Says Claessens, “We choose Belgium as our first test market. It’s an open, cosmopolitan market for wine, with ample opportunities.”
Fox Run is currently in five international markets – from the UK to the Philippines, and Anthony Road distributes in Japan and Singapore. This will be the first venture for Villa Bellangelo outside of the United States market.
As Fox Run owner, Scott Osborn commented, “The timing is right. We have gotten such a strong response from international shows. Our Finger Lakes appellation is unique. Everyone knows the New York name, and the excitement is there to learn more about our cool-climate estate wines. We are also going into these markets well-positioned with a beautiful portfolio and competitive pricing.”
Fox Run Vineyards, Anthony Road Wine Company and Villa Bellangelo are all situated on the shores of Seneca Lake. Each is renowned for limited production, artisan wines. All of the wineries are family-owned.
For more information on the individual wineries, please visit: